USB 3.0 External Multipurpose 5.25" Enclosure

Pagan_Ranger

Limp Gawd
Joined
Apr 6, 2006
Messages
410
Hello Everyone!

I want to see if this product exists or if there is a comparable alternative.

What I would love:

A 4-Bay 5.25" External Enclosure that would handle SATA Internally and USB 3.0 externally from one port.

Basically, I have downsized for an extended time to an mini PC that has USB 3.0 ports. I stuck a 750GB SSD in there, however, I would like to store all my back up items on an external HD. Additionally, I still need the use of Optical Drives for ripping my CD collection and occasional DVD/Blu-Ray.

I could accomplish this all using separate external Hard Drive + 5.25" drive exclosure (so I can re-use my Blu-ray burner), however, it would simplify if I could find a 4-bay external that would connect to USB 3.0.

2-bay or 3 bay also acceptable.

Anyone come across something like this? My searches have turned up fruitless.

Thank you!
 
Thank you for the response!

Yes, I have thought about going that direction, if I had no other options. Likely I would end up with 2 - 3 5.25" external enclosures.

The positive would be that I could disconnect and put away the Optical Drives when not using them, if I wanted, keeping the work space cleaner.

The negative would be that I still have to put it somewhere and it would not be "on Demand" unless I leave it plugged in. And if I leave it plugged in, then I have 2 - 3 5.25" bays somewhere on my desk.

I am going to do some more digging and see if I can come up with a solution.
 
So, I think I have found a solution that would fit my purpose.

I could get one of these "Storage Towers": http://shopaddonics.com/Products.aspx?code=ST&key=cat

Basically a small case with power supply that is only for 5.25" drives (or smaller with adapters). I could install 1 or two optical drives for my ripping needs then add in a couple of hard drives.

Then add a port multiplier such as: http://shopaddonics.com/ProductInfo...type=4&eq=&desc=5-Port-HPM--XU,-eSATA/USB-3.0

This will give me the ability to attach them all through a single USB port.

That would probably be the most simple install, rather that having 2 or more single 5.25" external enclosures.

That being said, since I have extra computer cases and power supplies laying around. So p2a0g7a2n
Backeally, I could just skip the "Storage Tower" and use a smallish (or whatever size) Case and Power Supply I have and just use the Addonics Port Multiplier (or it's cheaper identical bastard Patty Duke Style Cousin: https://www.amazon.com/Oodelay-eSATA-Port-Multiplier-Controller/dp/B00PZ7347E ).

Save some dough and could scale as needed, with the downside being a computer case leaves room for the unnecessary motherboard, processor, etc.
 
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